Oral Care Refill Head and Oral Care Kit Including the Same

ABSTRACT

An oral care refill head and an oral care kit comprising the same. The oral care refill head may include a sleeve portion, a head portion, and an elastomeric prophy cup. The sleeve portion may have an inner surface that defines an internal cavity for receiving a portion of a stem of an oral care implement handle therein so that the oral care refill head can be repetitively attached to and detached from the oral care implement handle. The elastomeric prophy cup may comprise an outer surface that forms at least a portion of a peripheral side surface of the head portion. The elastomeric prophy cup may be formed by injection molding an elastomeric material onto a support portion of the head portion. The oral care refill head may be packaged together with a store of an anti-sensitivity oral care material to form a kit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/838,970, filed Dec. 12, 2017, the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Myriad implements and devices for maintaining oral health are known. Forexample, toothbrushes of both the manual and powered variety, floss,dentifrices, applicators, agents, and the like are all known to providedifferent benefits in the oral cavity. One of the reasons that there areso many different types of implements for maintaining oral health isthat different implements are specifically suited to remedy differentoral health ailments. For example, application of various oral careagents into the oral cavity may be more effective depending on thestructure, shape, and/or material of the component that is used todirectly apply the agent into the oral cavity. Thus, it may also bebeneficial to pair a specific oral care agent with a specific oral caredevice that is best suited for effectively applying that oral care agentonto the oral cavity. Moreover, there is a continuing desire to improvethe manufacturing efficiency of the various types of oral careimplements while maintaining effectiveness and comfort during use. Theseand other needs are met by the invention described herein below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an oral care refill head comprisinga sleeve portion, a head portion, and an elastomeric prophy cup. Thesleeve portion may have an inner surface that defines an internal cavityfor receiving a portion of a stem of an oral care implement handletherein so that the oral care refill head can be repetitively attachedto and detached from the oral care implement handle. The elastomericprophy cup may comprise an outer surface that forms at least a portionof a peripheral side surface of the head portion. The elastomeric prophycup may be formed by injection molding an elastomeric material onto asupport portion of the head portion. The oral care refill head may bepackaged together with a store of an anti-sensitivity oral care materialto form a kit.

In one aspect, the invention may be an oral care refill head comprising:a sleeve portion extending from a proximal end to a distal end, thesleeve portion comprising an inner surface that defines an internalcavity that extends along a sleeve axis from an open bottom end at theproximal end of the sleeve portion to a closed top end, the internalcavity configured to receive an attachment portion of a stem of an oralcare implement handle; a head portion at the distal end of the sleeveportion, the head portion comprising a front surface and a peripheralside surface; and an elastomeric prophy cup comprising an elastomericcup portion and an elastomeric base portion, the elastomeric baseportion comprising an outer surface that forms at least a first portionof the peripheral side surface of the head portion, the elastomeric cupportion of the prophy cup extending along a prophy cup axis.

In another aspect, the invention may be an oral care kit comprising: anoral care refill head comprising: a sleeve portion configured to bedetachably coupled to an oral care implement handle; a head portion atthe distal end of the sleeve portion; and an elastomeric prophy cup onthe head portion; a store of an anti-sensitivity oral care material; anda package containing the oral care refill head and the store of theanti-sensitivity oral care material.

In yet another aspect, the invention may be an oral care kit comprising:a handle comprising a vibration generating device; an oral care refillhead comprising: a sleeve portion configured to be detachably coupled tothe oral care implement handle; and a head portion having an elastomericprophy cup extending therefrom; a store of an oral care material; and apackage containing the handle, the oral care refill head, and the storeof the oral care material.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an oral care implement having anoral care refill head and an oral care implement handle in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1illustrating the oral care refill head detached from the oral careimplement refill handle;

FIG. 3 is an exploded front perspective view of the oral care implementof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the oral care refill head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the oral care refill head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the oral care refill head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9A is a close-up view of area IX of FIG. 1 with a vibrationgenerating device of the oral care implement not activated;

FIG. 9B is a close-up view of area IX of FIG. 1 with a vibrationgenerating device of the oral care implement activated;

FIG. 10 illustrates an oral care kit comprising a package containing theoral care refill head of FIG. 1 and a store of an oral care material;and

FIG. 11 illustrates an oral care kit comprising a package containing theoral care implement handle and the oral care refill head of FIG. 1 and astore of an oral care material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles ofthe present invention is intended to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entirewritten description. In the description of embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merelyintended for convenience of description and is not intended in any wayto limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as“lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,”“down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g.,“horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed torefer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawingunder discussion. These relative terms are for convenience ofdescription only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated assuch. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,”“interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structuresare secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectlythrough intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigidattachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated byreference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the inventionexpressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodimentsillustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that mayexist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of theinvention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 concurrently, an oral care implement 1000 isillustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.The oral care implement 1000 generally comprises an oral care implementhandle 100 and an oral care refill head 200. The oral care refill head200 is detachably coupled to the oral care implement handle 100. Thus,the oral care refill head 200 may be repetitively coupled to anddetached from the oral care implement handle 100 as desired. Thisenables the oral care implement handle 100 to be kept and reused whilethe oral care refill head 200 is replaced with a new refill head whenthe oral care refill head 200 becomes worn or otherwise requiresreplacement. This is desirable because often the handle contains orotherwise houses the expensive electronic components of an oral careimplement 1000. The handle and the electronic components usually longoutlast the refill head 200. Thus, by permitting the oral care refillhead 200 to be detached from the oral care implement handle 100 andreplaced with another refill head, the same handle can be used withdifferent refill heads 200, thereby prolonging the life of the oral careimplement 1000. Furthermore, this also enables one type of oral carerefill head to be replaced with a different type of oral care refillhead that is specifically suited to remedying an oral health conditionand it allows for different individuals to use the same oral careimplement handle 100 with their own oral care refill head 200.

In the exemplified embodiment, the oral care implement 1000 is a poweredor electric oral care device (including a vibration generating device199 that vibrates the head of the oral care refill head 200 or portionsthereof). The specific function or purpose of the oral care implement1000 may be dictated based on the structure and components of the oralcare refill head 200. In certain embodiments of the invention describedherein, the oral care refill head 200 comprises an elastomeric prophycup that is intended for tooth polishing or for applying a specific typeof an oral care material onto a user's teeth and oral soft tissuesurfaces. Of course, the invention is not to be so limited in allembodiments and in other embodiments the oral care implement 1000 may bea manual toothbrush, a tongue scraper, a gum and soft tissue cleanser, awater pick, an interdental device, a tooth polisher, a speciallydesigned ansate implement having tooth engaging elements, or any othertype of implement that is commonly used for oral care.

The oral care implement handle 100 extends along a longitudinal axis A-Aand comprises a gripping portion 110 extending from a proximal end 111to a distal end 112 and a stem 120 that extends or protrudes from thedistal end 112 of the gripping portion 110. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the stem 120 is not directly attached to the grippingportion 110, but rather it extends through an opening 139 in the distalend 112 of the gripping portion 111. Thus, stating that the stem 120extends from the distal end 112 of the gripping portion 111 does notrequire a direct coupling between the stem 120 and the distal end 112 ofthe gripping portion 111, but merely requires that the stem 120 extendsin the longitudinal direction beyond the distal end 112 of the grippingportion 110. Of course, the stem 120 may be directly coupled to andextend directly from the distal end 112 of the gripping portion 110 insome embodiments. The distal end 112 of the gripping portion 110 forms ashoulder that circumferentially surrounds the stem 120 as it protrudesform the distal end 112 of the gripping portion 110.

In the exemplified embodiment, the gripping portion 110 of the oral careimplement handle 100 comprises an actuator 113 on its outer surface thatenables a user to power the oral care implement 1000 on and off. In theexemplified embodiment, the actuator 113 is located on a front surfaceof the gripping portion 110 of the oral care implement handle 100. Theactuator 113, when depressed, engages a switch that powers the vibrationgenerating device 199. The vibration generating device 100 comprises amotor 160 and an eccentric 161 and when the vibration generating device199 is activated/powered on, the motor 160 and the eccentric 161 rotate,thereby generating vibrations that are transmitted to the oral carerefill head 200 to enhance a user's cleaning experience. Thus, theactuator 113 is configured to activate and deactivate the vibrationgenerating device 199 (which may comprise the motor 160, the eccentric161, and a power source) that is housed within the oral care implementhandle 100.

In the exemplified embodiment, the gripping portion 110 of the oral careimplement handle 100 comprises a first part 130 and a second part 131that are detachably coupled together. The first and second parts 130,131 may be detachably coupled together via mating screw threads,interference fit, boss/detent, or the like. Of course, it is possible inother embodiments for the gripping portion 110 to be formed from asingle unitary component. However, the two-part gripping portion 110 maymake it easier to assemble the various components of the oral careimplement 1000 together. When coupled together, the first and secondparts 130, 131 collectively define a handle cavity 134. An O-ring 138(or other type of gasket) may be provided between the first and secondparts 130, 131 of the gripping portion 110 to seal the interface of thefirst and second parts 130, 131 so that water and other fluids cannotpass into the handle cavity 134 during use of the oral care implement1000 or otherwise.

An electronics component 150 is housed within the handle cavity 134. Theelectronics component 150 comprises a circuit board 155 comprising theelectronic circuitry necessary for proper operation of the oral careimplement 1000, including processor(s), memory device(s), switch(es),resistors, capacitors, and the like. The electronics component 150 alsocomprises a chassis 156 that holds a power source 151, which is shown asa battery exploded away from the electronics component 150 in FIG. 3. Ofcourse, more than one battery may be used. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the circuit board 155 is coupled to one side of the chassis156 and the batteries are housed within a compartment located on theopposite side of the chassis 156. Of course, other arrangements arepossible in other embodiments. Generally, the electronics component 150is configured to be coupled to the motor 160 to control operation of themotor 160 such that when a switch 157 is closed the motor 160 isoperating and when the switch 157 is open the motor 160 is notoperating. The opening and closing of the switch 157 may be controlledvia actuation of the actuator 113.

A gasket 165 is provided at the junction of the stem 120 and thegripping portion 110 to prevent the ingress of liquids at the locationof the junction of those two components. The gasket 165 is coupled tothe stem 120 so as to surround a portion of a lower portion 121 of thestem 120. Furthermore, the gasket 165 presses against the inner surfaceof the second component 131 of the gripping portion 110 to maintain thestem 120 in position without the stem 120 falling into the handle cavity134. A portion of the gasket 165 may be visible when the oral careimplement handle 100 is fully assembled with the oral care refill head200 detached therefrom, as best illustrated in FIG. 2. A second gasket178 may be coupled to another portion of the lower portion 121 of thestem 120 and collectively the gasket 165 and the second gasket 178operate to prevent the ingress of fluids. Of course, one or both of thegasket 165 and the second gasket 178 may be omitted in alternativeembodiments.

The stem 120 comprises an inner surface that defines an inner cavity(not shown) that houses the motor 160, the eccentric 161, a guide pin170, and a coupling member 162 that couples the motor 160 to theeccentric 161. The motor 160, the eccentric 161, and the power source151 (or various other combinations of the components housed within thestem 120) may be referred to herein collectively as the vibrationgenerating device 199 because these components are coupled together andoperate collectively to impart vibrations to a head portion 220 of theoral care refill head 200. The motor 160 is electrically coupled to theelectronics component 150 and the power source 151 via conductive wires163 to control operation of the motor 160.

The guide pin 170 may be partially embedded within a top region of thestem 120 and it may be inserted into an aperture or opening in a top endof the eccentric 161. When the motor 160 is activated, the eccentric 161is caused to rotate due to its coupling to the motor 160. Due to theoff-center rotational axis of the eccentric 161 relative to a centralaxis of the motor 160 and due to the coupling between the eccentric 161and the guide pin 170 that is partially embedded within the stem 120,rotation of the eccentric 161 imparts vibrations to the head portion 220of the oral care refill head 200.

The stem 120 is the portion of the oral care implement handle 100 thatthe oral care refill head 200 is configured to be detachably coupled to.The stem 120 comprises the lower portion 121 and an attachment portion140. When the oral care implement handle 100 is fully assembled, thelower portion 121 of the stem 120 is located within the cavity 134 ofthe gripping portion 110 and the attachment portion 140 of the stem 120protrudes from the shoulder at the distal end 112 of the grippingportion 110. The attachment portion 140 of the stem 120 can then beinserted into an internal cavity of the oral care refill head 200 tocouple the oral care refill head 200 to the oral care implement handle100.

In the exemplified embodiment, the attachment portion 140 of the stem120 comprises a base portion 141 and a post 142. Of course, the post 142may be omitted in some embodiments so long as the attachment portion 140is configured for insertion into the internal cavity of the oral carerefill head 200 as described herein. The base portion 141 protrudes fromthe shoulder and terminates in a distal surface 143 that forms a secondshoulder. The post 142 protrudes from the second shoulder and terminatesin a closed distal end 145 that forms a free end of the attachmentportion 140 of the stem 120. Although the post 142 has a circularcross-sectional shape in the exemplified embodiment, other shapes arepossible for the post 142.

In the exemplified embodiment, various alignment and lockingprotuberances 146, 147 extend from an outer surface of the base portion141 of the attachment portion 140 of the stem 120. The alignment andlocking protuberances 146, 147 may be used on the base portion 141 toensure proper alignment between the oral care refill head 200 and theoral care implement handle 100 and to facilitate locking of the oralcare refill head 200 to the oral care implement handle 100. The size,shape, structure, depth, thickness, length, or the like of the alignmentand/or locking protuberances 146, 147 are not intended to be limiting ofthe present invention in all embodiments.

In the exemplified embodiment, the stem 120 is an integrally formedstructure that includes the lower portion 121 and the attachment portion140 (with the attachment portion 140 comprising the base portion 141 andthe post 142). Thus, the stem 120 may be a monolithic component formedfrom a rigid material, such as plastic or the like. In some embodimentsthe stem 120 is formed via injection molding, although thismanufacturing technique is not required in all embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8 concurrently, the oral care refill head 200 willbe described in detail. The oral care refill head 200 comprises a sleeveportion 210 and a head portion 220. The sleeve portion 210 is theportion that fits over the stem 120 of the oral care implement handle100 to couple the oral care refill head 200 to the oral care implementhandle 100. The head portion 220 includes one or more elements that areconfigured for cleaning and/or polishing and/or applying an oral carematerial onto a user's oral cavity surfaces such as the teeth, gums,and/or inner check surfaces. In the exemplified embodiment, the elementof the oral care refill head 200 that is used for cleaning the oralcavity is a prophy cup.

The head portion 220 of the oral care refill head 200 comprises a frontsurface 221, a rear surface 223, and a peripheral side surface 222extending between the front and rear surfaces 221, 223. The sleeve andhead portions 210, 220 may be integrally formed as a single unitarystructure. The sleeve and head portions 210, 220 may comprise a base orbody portion formed of a hard plastic material such as polypropylene orthe like and an elastomeric material may be overmolded onto the base orbody portion, as described in more detail herein below.

The sleeve portion 210 of the oral care refill head 200 extends from aproximal end 211 to a distal end 212 and the head portion 220 is coupledto or extends from the distal end 212 of the sleeve portion 210.Furthermore, the sleeve portion 210 of the oral care refill head 200comprises an inner surface 213 that defines an internal cavity 214. Theinternal cavity 214 of the sleeve portion 210 of the oral care refillhead 200 extends along a sleeve axis B-B from an open bottom end 215 atthe proximal end 211 of the sleeve portion 210 to a closed top end 216.The internal cavity 214 is configured to receive the attachment portion140 of the stem 120 of the oral care implement handle 100.

The sleeve portion 210 of the oral care refill head 200 comprises a mainbody 201 formed of a rigid material and an elastomeric component 202overmolded onto the main body 201. Specifically, the elastomericcomponent 202 comprises a first portion 203 located adjacent to theproximal end 211 of the sleeve portion 210 and a second portion 204extending from the first portion 203 to the head portion 220 of the oralcare refill head 200. The first portion 203 of the elastomeric component202 is an annular portion of the elastomeric component 202 thatcircumferentially surrounds a lower portion of the main body 201. Thesecond portion 204 of the elastomeric component 202 is elongated in adirection of the sleeve axis B-B from the first portion 203 of theelastomeric component 202 to the head portion 220 of the oral carerefill head 200. Each of the first and second portions 203, 204 of theelastomeric component 202 are disposed within a recess formed into themain body 201 so that the outer surface of the elastomeric component 202is flush with the outer surface of the main body 201. Thus, there are nostepped surfaces between the elastomeric component 202 and the main body201, but rather each transitions into the other in a smooth and flushmanner.

The oral care refill head 200 comprises an elastomeric prophy cup 240.The elastomeric prophy cup 240 comprises an elastomeric cup portion 250and an elastomeric base portion 260. The elastomeric prophy cup 240 isformed of an elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic elastomer orthe like. The elastomeric prophy cup 240 is a unitary and integralstructure that comprises both the elastomeric cup portion 250 and theelastomeric base portion 260.

The head portion 220 of the oral care refill head 200 comprises asupport portion 230 formed of a hard plastic and at least a portion ofthe elastomeric base portion 260 of the elastomeric prophy cup 240. Thesupport portion 230 of the head portion 220 is formed integrally withthe main body 201 of the sleeve portion 210. The support portion 230comprises a front surface 231, a rear surface 232, and an outer surface233. The elastomeric base portion 260 of the elastomeric prophy cup 240comprises a front surface 261 and an outer surface 262.

The front surface 261 of the elastomeric base portion 260 of theelastomeric prophy cup 240 forms at least a portion of the front surface221 of the head portion 220 of the oral care refill head 200. The outersurface 262 of the elastomeric base portion 260 of the elastomericprophy cup 240 forms a first portion of the peripheral side surface 222of the head portion 220 and the outer surface 233 of the support portion230 forms a second portion of the peripheral side surface 222 of thehead portion 220. Each of the first and second portions of theperipheral side surface 222 of the head portion 220 circumscribe thehead portion. Furthermore, the outer surface 233 of the support portion230 and the outer surface 262 of the elastomeric base portion 260 areflush such that neither the support portion 230 nor the elastomeric baseportion 260 protrudes radially beyond the other. Rather, the outersurface 233 of the support portion 230 and the outer surface 262 of theelastomeric base portion 260 form a smooth interface.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, the support structure 230 comprises aprotuberance 234 that extends into the elastomeric base portion 260 ofthe elastomeric prophy cup 240. The protuberance 234 extends upwardlyfrom the front surface 231 of the support structure 230. The elastomericbase portion 260 of the elastomeric prophy cup 240 covers an entirety ofthe front surface 231 of the support structure 230 such that no portionof the front surface 231 of the support structure 230 is exposed.

The support structure 230 comprises a through hole 235 extending throughthe support structure 230 from the front surface 231 of the supportstructure 230 to the rear surface 232 of the support structure 230. Thehead portion 220 of the oral care refill head 200 comprises anelastomeric pad 270 that forms at least a portion of the rear surface223 of the head portion 220. The elastomeric pad 270 is integrallyconnected to the elastomeric prophy cup 240 by an elastomeric post 280that extends through the through hole 235 in the support structure 230.

In the exemplified embodiment the elastomeric cup portion 250, theelastomeric base portion 260, the elastomeric pad 270, and theelastomeric post 280 are integrally formed from a single unitary mass ofelastomeric material. In fact, the single unitary mass of elastomericmaterial also comprises the first and second portions 203, 204 of theelastomeric component 202 that is overmolded onto the main body 201 ofthe sleeve portion 210 of the oral care refill head 200. Thus, a singleinjection molded shot of an elastomeric material forms the elastomericcup portion 250, the elastomeric base portion 260, the elastomeric pad270, the elastomeric post 280, and the elastomeric component 202 as aunitary mass of elastomeric material. As a result, the elastomericprophy cup 240 is fixed to the support portion 230 such that theelastomeric prophy cup 240 cannot be readily detached from the supportportion 230. Thus, in certain embodiments the elastomeric prophy cup 240is not replaceable without replacing the entire oral care refill head200.

On the rear of the oral care refill head 200 illustrated in FIG. 5, thesupport portion 230 is located between the elastomeric pad 270 and theelastomeric prophy cup 240. During manufacture of the oral care refillhead 200, the main body 201 of the sleeve portion 210 and the supportportion 230 of the head 220 are formed first. Next, in a single shot,the elastomeric material is injection molded onto the main body 201 andthe support portion 230 to form the elastomeric prophy cup 240, theelastomeric post 280, the elastomeric pad 270, and the elastomericcomponent 202 (including the first and second portions 203, 204thereof). The elastomeric material extends through the head 220 via thethrough hole 235 in the support portion 230.

The elastomeric cup portion 250 of the elastomeric prophy cup 240comprises an upstanding wall 251 having an inner surface 252 and anouter surface 253. In the exemplified embodiment, the upstanding wall251 of the elastomeric cup portion 250 is a continuous wall thatcircumscribes the prophy cup axis C-C. The outer surface 253 of theupstanding wall 251 of the elastomeric cup portion 250 is flush with theouter surface 262 of the elastomeric base portion 260. Thus, neither ofthe elastomeric cup portion 250 or the elastomeric base portion 260protrudes radially beyond the other. Stated another way, in theexemplified embodiment the elastomeric cup portion 250 and theelastomeric base portion 260 have the same diameter. In fact, in theexemplified embodiment, the elastomeric cup portion 250, the elastomericbase portion 260 and the support portion 230 of the head portion 220have a constant diameter (at least at the interfaces of thosecomponents) such that the transitions between the elastomeric cupportion, the elastomeric base portion 260, and the support portion 230are smooth. Thus, there is no increase or decrease in diameter at thetransition from the elastomeric cup portion 250 to the elastomeric baseportion 260 or from the elastomeric base portion 260 to the supportportion 230. Furthermore, the elastomeric base portion 260 and theelastomeric cup portion 250 have an identical diameter along theirentire length (the length being along the prophy cup axis C-C).

The inner surface 252 of the upstanding wall 251 defines a prophy cavity254 that extends along a prophy cup axis C-C. In the exemplifiedembodiment, the prophy cup axis C-C forms an obtuse angle with thesleeve axis B-B (best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). The obtuse angle isformed between the sleeve axis B-B and a portion of the prophy cup axisC-C extending from the sleeve axis B-B towards the elastomeric prophycup 240.

The elastomeric cup portion 250 further comprises a plurality of ribs256 extending radially inward from the inner surface 252 of theupstanding wall 251 towards the prophy cup axis C-C. In the exemplifiedembodiment, there are five of the ribs 256 protruding radially inwardfrom the inner surface 252 of the upstanding wall 251. Of course, moreor less than five ribs 256 may be included in other embodiments. In theexemplified embodiment, the ribs 256 are equidistantly circumferentiallyspaced apart from one another along the inner surface 252 of theupstanding wall 251. Furthermore, each of the ribs 256 extends from theinner surface 252 of the upstanding wall 251 to a distal edge 257 thatis spaced apart from the prophy cup axis C-C. Thus, the distal edges 257of the ribs 256 are spaced apart from one another.

The upstanding wall 251 of the elastomeric cup portion 250 terminates inan upper edge 258. Furthermore, each of the ribs 256 terminate in anupper edge 259. The upper edges 259 of the ribs 256 are axially offsetfrom the upper edge 258 of the upstanding wall 251. Specifically, in theexemplified embodiment the upstanding wall 251 has a first height H1measured from the front surface 221 of the head portion 220 to the upperedge 258 and each of the ribs 256 has a second height H2 measured fromthe front surface 221 of the head portion 220 to the respective upperedge 259. The first height H1 is greater than the second height H2. Thisforms a pocket in the upper region of the elastomeric cup portion 250between the upper edges 259 of the ribs 256 and the upper edge 258 ofthe upstanding wall 251. Of course, alternative embodiments are possiblewhere the second height H2 is the same as or greater than the firstheight H1.

In the embodiment described herein, the head portion 220 of the oralcare refill head 200 is free of bristles. Thus, the elastomeric prophycup 240 is the only cleaning element located on the head portion 220 ofthe oral care refill head 200. There are no filament bristles or thelike located on or extending from the head portion 220 for cleaning theteeth and other oral cavity surfaces. In the exemplified embodiment, allcleaning, massaging, polishing, and the like is done by the elastomericprophy cup 240 of the oral care refill head 200.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B concurrently, close-up views of the headportion 220 of the oral care refill head 200 are illustrated. In FIG.9A, the head portion 220 of the oral care refill head 200 is illustratedwith the vibration generating element 199 (not illustrated in thesefigures, but refer to FIG. 3) deactivated or powered off. In FIG. 9B,the head portion 220 of the oral care refill head 200 is illustratedwith the vibration generating element 199 activated or powered on. Thus,as can be seen, when the vibration generating element 199 is powered on,the elastomeric prophy cup 240, and more specifically the elastomericcup portion 250 of the elastomeric prophy cup 240, vibrates. Thisvibration of the elastomeric prophy cup 240 might enable the oral carerefill head 200 to achieve better cleaning/polishing results than whenthe vibration generating device 199 is not powered.

It should be noted that the elastomeric prophy cup 240 does not rotate,pivot, or oscillate relative to the support portion 230 of the oral carerefill head 200. This is because the elastomeric prophy cup 240 is fixedto the support portion 230 of the oral care refill head 200 due to theelastomeric prophy cup 240 being injection molded onto the supportportion 230 of the oral care refill head 200 as described herein.Rather, the elastomeric prophy cup 240 vibrates in a random manner dueto the vibrations generated by the vibration generating device 199(particularly due to the rotation of the eccentric 161).

Referring to FIG. 10, a kit 2000 comprising the oral care refill head200 and a store of an oral care agent 300 is illustrated. The oral carerefill head 200 might be most effective when used with a particular typeof oral care agent such that it might be desirable to make the oral carerefill head 200 available for purchase by a consumer in the kit 2000alongside the particular type of oral care agent. In certainembodiments, the oral care refill head 200 is most effective when beingused to apply an anti-sensitivity agent to an oral cavity. Thus, thestore of the oral care agent 300 may be a store of an anti-sensitivityoral care material. Such an anti-sensitivity oral care material maycomprise, in some embodiments, arginine alone or in combination withcalcium. In other embodiments, the store of the oral care agent 300 maybe a store of a tooth whitening agent.

The anti-sensitivity oral care material may, in some embodiments,comprise arginine and calcium carbonate and/or potassium nitrate.Alternatively, the anti-sensitivity oral care material may be astannous-based composition. Non-limiting examples of anti-sensitivityoral care materials that may be used in the kit 2000 are described inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0186090, U.S. Pat. No.6,592,853, and WO1993/025184, the entireties of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

Any other suitable oral care material may be used in some embodiments ofthe present invention and, thus, included in the kit 2000 as the storeof oral care material 300. Contemplated oral care materials include oralcare agents that can be an active or non-active ingredient, includingwithout limitation, antibacterial agents; oxidative or whitening agents;enamel strengthening or repair agents; tooth erosion preventing agents;anti-sensitivity ingredients; gum health actives; nutritionalingredients; tartar control or anti-stain ingredients; enzymes; sensateingredients; flavors or flavor ingredients; breath fresheningingredients; oral malodor reducing agents; anti-attachment agents orsealants; diagnostic solutions; occluding agents; anti-inflammatoryagents; dry mouth relief ingredients; catalysts to enhance the activityof any of these agents; colorants or aesthetic ingredients; andcombinations thereof. The oral care material in one embodiment is freeof (i.e., is not) toothpaste. Instead, the oral care material isintended to provide supplemental oral care benefits in addition tomerely brushing one's teeth, Other suitable fluids could include lipbalm or other materials that are typically available in a semi-solidstate.

The kit 2000 may also comprise a package 350 containing the oral carerefill head 200 and the store of the oral care agent 300 (such as astore of an anti-sensitivity oral care material). The package 350 isillustrated as a blister-style package, but the invention is not to beso limited in all embodiments. Thus, the package 350 can be any type ofpackage that is commonly seen in retail locations and that can containvarious products for sale. For example, the package 350 might simply bean enclosed box having an inner cavity that contains the oral carerefill head 200 and the oral care agent 300. Alternatively, the package350 may be a stretch pack, a corrugated box, a plastic packet or pouch,a bag, or any other type of package.

By selling the kit 2000 as a single unit, a consumer can purchase theoral care refill head 200 to replace an oral care refill head thatrequires replacement along with a store of an anti-sensitivity oral carematerial (or some other oral care agent as may be desired). Thus, theconsumer will understand that the oral care refill head 200 of the kit2000 is most suitable for being used to apply the store of the oral carematerial 300 that is sold in the kit 2000 along with the oral carerefill head 200.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a kit 3000 that comprises apackage 450 containing the oral care refill head 200, the store of theoral care material 300, and the oral care implement handle 100. Thus,the entire oral care implement 1000 can be purchased (i.e., the oralcare implement handle 100 and at least one oral care refill head 200)along with the store of the oral care material 300 that is desired to beapplied to the oral cavity using the oral care implement 1000. Thedetails of the oral care refill head 200 and the oral care implementhandle 100 provided above are applicable for the kits 2000, 3000.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examplesincluding presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variationsand permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural andfunctional modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the inventionshould be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An oral care kit comprising: an oral care refillhead comprising: a sleeve portion configured to be detachably coupled toan oral care implement handle; a head portion at a distal end of thesleeve portion; and an elastomeric prophy cup on the head portion; astore of an anti-sensitivity oral care material; and a packagecontaining the oral care refill head and the store of theanti-sensitivity oral care material.
 2. The oral care kit according toclaim 1 wherein the sleeve portion of the oral care refill head extendsfrom a proximal end to a distal end, the sleeve portion comprising aninner surface that defines an internal cavity that extends along asleeve axis from an open bottom end at the proximal end of the sleeveportion to a closed top end, the internal cavity configured to receivean attachment portion of a stem of an oral care implement handle.
 3. Theoral care kit according to claim 1 wherein the elastomeric prophy cupcomprises an elastomeric cup portion extending along a prophy cup axis,the prophy cup axis forming an obtuse angle with the sleeve axis.
 4. Theoral care kit according to claim 1 wherein the elastomeric cup portioncomprises: an upstanding wall having an inner surface defining a prophycavity and an upper edge; and a plurality of ribs extending radiallyinward from the inner surface of the upstanding wall, each of the ribsterminating in an upper edge that is axially offset from the upper edgeof the upstanding wall.
 5. The oral care kit according to claim 1wherein the head portion is free of bristles and the elastomeric prophycup comprises an outer surface that forms a first portion of aperipheral side surface of the head portion that circumscribes the headportion.
 6. The oral care kit according to claim 1 further comprising anoral care implement handle comprising a vibration generating device, thesleeve portion configured to be detachably coupled to the oral careimplement handle, and wherein the package also contains the oral careimplement handle.
 7. An oral care kit comprising: a handle comprising avibration generating device; an oral care refill head comprising: asleeve portion configured to be detachably coupled to the oral careimplement handle; and a head portion having an elastomeric prophy cupextending therefrom; a store of an oral care material; and a packagecontaining the handle, the oral care refill head, and the store of theoral care material.
 8. The oral care kit according to claim 7 whereinthe store of the oral care material is selected from the groupconsisting of an anti-sensitivity oral care material and a toothwhitening oral care material.